If there's one thing we all love at Who What Wear UK, it's a good fashion collaboration. Sometimes it's two of our favourite brands pairing up to bring the best of what they both offer, but sometimes it's an exciting link-up we didn't see coming. I personally think those that are more unexpected contribute to what keeps shopping exciting. Case in point? Three of the high street's most recognisable names: ASOS, Uniqlo and Bershka have teamed up with Disney's Mickey & Friends for a series of collections, edits and capsules that feel nostalgic, fun and cool in equal measure.
Whether you're a Disney die-hard or just here for the styling opportunities, the recent wave of fashion-first collaborations offers up pieces that feature your favourite childhood characters but in a way that is anything but costume-y. From high-street drops to designer crossovers with the likes of Coperni, Pandora and Desigual, it feels like everyone wants a bit of magic in their lives right now. And honestly? We get it.
Within these three high street collaborations, you'll find fun summer staples that include graphic tees, oversized sweaters, shorts and pyjamas, all with motifs that will make every '90s and '00s baby start a story that begins with "I remember when..." It's a move that feels surprisingly apt right now; we're currently living through a period in fashion that's deeply obsessed with relics from our youth, like personalised bag charms, wearable soft toys and clothing that features pop culture references from our childhoods. Perhaps the best part is that these pieces are playful but also wearable, looking their best when paired with the usual suspects we all already own: jeans, cute skirts and knee-high boots.
Each brand has put its own spin on the Mickey & Friends universe. At ASOS, the collab leans on oversized silhouettes and washed cottons, which feel aligned with the laid-back energy that Gen Z loves. Think slouchy tees, bold graphics and a sense of not taking yourself too seriously, for comfortable looks that speak to your personal style. Uniqlo's edit is more classic. The brand's cult-favourite UT tees have been reimagined with Mickey in clean, minimal designs that you'll probably find yourself reaching for again and again (I already am). Bershka, on the other hand, is bringing that Y2K-adjacent vibe it does so well, with a baby tee and sweatshirt.
To bring the looks to life, we asked content creator Layla Abbey to style the new Disney drops her way. Shot around London, these looks embody exactly how I want to dress right now—effortless and easy but with a touch of personality. Ahead, Layla styles three looks, each with a piece from each capsule collection, and shows us how she's making Disney's Mickey Mouse work for her summer wardrobe. Take note, friends!
Style Notes: This outfit is pure sunshine. The oversized yellow Mickey Mouse tee from ASOS is an instant mood-lifter, and I love the idea of contrasting it with something a little softer and unexpected like this lace maxi skirt. It's giving that whole balance of structured and floaty that feels right for summer in the city, and let's not forget how butter yellow is the hue of the season. Then, the suede fringed bag gives texture, and touches on the resurgence of the boho and Western trends we're seeing lately. As for the finishing touches, I have to mention her charm necklace (a Gen Z staple), which really brings this look together. There's no question that the T-shirt is bold, but it's bold in the best way, making a statement without trying too hard.
Style Notes: There's something really easy about this look that I love. The Minnie Mouse (mini) tee has a strong enough graphic to make a statement, but still works with basics like denim. Layla styled it here with a pair of baggy jeans (Gen Z are still fully in their loose-fit era, and I'm with them; I'm not ready for the return of skinny jeans either) and paired it with some cute gingham ballet flats to make the ensemble feel a tad more "cutesy". This is a "grab a coffee, run errands, meet a friend for lunch" outfit that requires no thought, and if you're lucky enough to have a job that allows you to be casual between the hours of 9 to 5, then this will work for that too. Basically, it's a clear all-rounder.
Style Notes: This playful look is built around the tee, which, with its contrasting trim, has a bit of a retro feel. Layla has paired it with black-and-white crochet shorts, because texture always makes a simple outfit more interesting, and finished it with biker boots to toughen things up a little. This is what I'd consider a perfect festival outfit: comfortable yet cool. With Primavera just gone and Glastonbury round the corner, there's no better time to get your field-ready looks nailed.
